The Island also is home to many species of animals which are protected under the Habitats Directive in their own right.

Together, the sites which are SPA’s and SAC’s throughout Europe form the Natura 2000 Network for wildlife in the European Union. The ecological network was established in the year 2000 through the Habitats Directive. Most of the SAC’s in Ireland are in the rural landscape, so having one at North Bull Island – in the capital – is unusual for this country.

The Network is designated in Ireland overall by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). Dublin City Council manages the sites at North Bull Island in cooperation with the NPWS according to European legislation.